Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer with local authorities in Kentucky requesting that a Guatemalan national remain in custody following a conviction for sexual abuse involving a minor, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The request comes as federal officials seek to ensure the individual is not released from custody and can be transferred to immigration authorities following the completion of his criminal proceedings.
Jose Lopez-Hernandez, 52, was convicted of sexual abuse after authorities said he assaulted a 14-year-old girl at a church in Covington, Kentucky, where he was serving as a pastor. According to local reports, the incident occurred in a church office, where the victim said Lopez-Hernandez locked the door and engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
Witnesses told investigators the girl had visible injuries, including a bruise on her neck, consistent with what police described as aggressive contact. Authorities said the victim reported the incident shortly after leaving the office.
According to court records, Lopez-Hernandez later pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse. He was sentenced to a two-year prison term, with credit for time already served, and is required to register as a sex offender for 20 years and complete court-ordered treatment.
Federal officials said Lopez-Hernandez previously had been arrested in Kentucky on charges including theft, forgery, and reckless driving, and was released following those incidents.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since lodged a detainer requesting that local authorities notify federal officials before any release and transfer him into immigration custody.
“This individual used his position as a pastor to commit a serious offense involving a minor,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said. “ICE lodged a detainer to ensure he is not released before facing further immigration proceedings.”
Authorities said Lopez-Hernandez entered the United States at an unknown time and location.
The case originated in September 2023 after local law enforcement received a report of sexual abuse at a church. Investigators later located Lopez-Hernandez in California, where he was taken into custody by federal agents before being returned to Kentucky to face charges.
Officials have not indicated when Lopez-Hernandez could be transferred to immigration custody.
